The Skyline College Paralegal Studies Department wrapped up its Guest Speaker Series for the Spring 2026 semester on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This was the first semester the department hosted guest speakers for students, and it was a great success.
Five events were held throughout the semester. Speakers included Vincent Valle, a civil litigation paralegal and Skyline College Paralegal Studies Advisory Committee member; Prof. June Hunter, Technical Enablement Lead at DISCO and Skyline College adjunct professor; Cesily Melo, a labor and employment law paralegal and former Program student; and Anna Howell, attorney with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA). Professor Daniela Guillén also volunteered to speak one evening due to last-minute scheduling issues.
Topics included a general overview of the paralegal profession and civil litigation, career and job search tips, labor and employment law, AI use in the paralegal profession, and information on serving in the immigration field.
Student feedback was enthusiastic across the board, with most reporting being “very satisfied” with the presentations. When asked what they enjoyed most about the events, the students’ praise for the speakers was resounding, including: “The speaker! He did an amazing job and was very knowledgeable. He really cared for the newcomers in this field. Felt the love!”; “The speaker gave extremely helpful advice. Straight forward with answers.”; and “[She] was an amazing presenter! Loved the slides, she was so knowledgeable about her field, and she answered all of our questions so well!”
Program Director Sara E. Dykes wishes to thank all guest speakers and student attendees for such a great start to this program series. She also thanks current Program Services Coordinator, Josephine Lock, for her commitment to the Program and her organizational skills which helped make this inaugural event series such a success. She further thanks Dean Bianca Rowden-Quince, Lynette Cabellero, and Andy Murillo in the Social Sciences / Creative Arts (SS/CA) Division Office for their continued, unflinching support.
The Paralegal Studies Program intends to continue the guest speaker series in the Fall 2026 semester. Students from all majors and concentrations will be welcome to attend and learn about the paralegal profession and the legal field.
ABA STATEMENT ON UPL: “PARALEGALS MAY NOT PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO THE PUBLIC, EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY LAW.”
Article Written By: Paralegal Studies Program
